Sinakelthei Village Authority on Wednesday issued a strong rebuttal to the clarification issued by the Leplan Village Authority regarding the incident of 23rd February, 2026.
The press release stated that, “the Sinakeithei Village Authority expresses grave concern over the clarification issued by the Leplen Village Authority, which attempts to downplay and dismiss the serious incident of deliberate forest burning on 23rd, February, 2026. We categorically reject the claims made in that clarification as factually inaccurate, misleading, and a clear attempt to minimize the gravity of the offence.
“Photographs and video footage provide indisputable evidence of the intentional burning of forest land that lies squarely within Sinakeithei Village’s jurisdiction. This documentation establishes a prima facie case of deliberate ignition, and dismissing such evidence as ‘baseless’ is unacceptable. In addition, eyewitnesses confirm the burning incident. A villager farmer was abducted during the episode, and through the intervention of the Chief/Headman of Leplen Village, the abductee eventually released.”
To safeguard against any misrepresentation of facts, we hereby reiterate the following key facts for the public record.
– The affected forest land lies entirely within the traditional, customary, and administrative boundaries of Sinakeithei Village.
-Clear boundary demarcations exist between Leplen and Sinakeithei, as well as between Sinakeithei and Tingpibung villages.
-The road at the foothill of the Lungter range did not exist prior to 2019. Since it falls within Sinakeithei’s jurisdiction, its passage through Lungter was deliberated in the Sinakeithei Village Assembly on 9th May, 2019. The assembly approved the road in the interest of local inhabitants, with the condition that it could be closed at any time depending on neighborhood relations.
–There exists no historical record or customary evidence indicating that the Lungter Hill Range (Reserve Forest) was ever used as a common hunting ground by both villages. Accordingly, any claim of joint usage is entirely unfounded.
Assertions of shared rights are firmly denied. Such claims constitute unwarranted encroachment upon the proprietary and customary rights of Sinakeithei Village. Mere passage through or proximity to a route does not confer ownership or justify interference
The original press release issued by the Sinakeithei Village Authority was a measured, responsible, and preventive appeal directed to the District Administration, law enforcement agencies, the Forest Department, civil society, and the general public. Its sole purpose was to secure immediate intervention, prevent escalation, and uphold peace. It was neither communal nor inflammatory, but strictly aimed at protecting land, environment, and communal harmony.
In view of the compelling visual evidence and the seriousness of the offence, the Sinakeithei Village Authority formally urges the District Administration of Ukhrul, and the relevant Police Authorities to launch an impartial, prompt, and transparent investigation into the incident. Appropriate legal action must be taken against those found responsible, based on evidence and due process-not on public denials or unsubstantiated assertions.
“The Sinakeithei Village Authority remains committed to peace, lawful resolution of disputes, and the protection of our community’s rights and resources” stated the press release issued by Vashai Canaan Phungshim Zimik, Headman and Rungsung Ulysis, Chairman of Sinakelthei village..
